Ocean Wave Mechanics

Tensegrity systems have been used in several disciplines such as architecture, biology, aerospace, mechanics, and robotics during the last 50 years. However, just a few references in literature have stated the possibility of using such systems in ocean or energy-related applications. This work addresses the kinematic and dynamic analyses of a planar tensegrity mechanism for ocean wave energy harvesting. Ocean wave mechanics and the most important concepts related to fluid–structure interaction are presented. Then, a planar 3 degrees of freedom (3-dof) tensegrity mechanism, based on a morphology defined by Kenneth Snelson in 1960 which is known as “X-frame,” is proposed as connecting linkage to transmit wave-generated forces. A geometric approach is used to solve the forward and reverse displacement problems. The theory of screws is used to perform the forward and reverse velocity analyses of the device. The Lagrangian approach is used to deduce the equations of motion considering the interaction between the mechanism and ocean waves. The tensegrity-based mechanism is analyzed using a linear model of ocean waves and its energy harvesting capabilities are compared to a purely heaving device. Results show that the proposed tensegrity configuration allows to harvest 10% more energy than the traditional heaving mechanism used in several wave energy harvesting applications. Therefore, tensegrity systems could play an important role in the expansion of clean energy technologies that help the world's sustainable development.

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A NEW THEORY ON OCEAN WAVE MECHANICS AND ITS APLICATION IN ENERGY POWER GENERATION

DYNA INGENIERIA E INDUSTRIA ◽

10.6036/9931 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 96 (3) ◽

pp. 276-280

Author(s):

JOSE JAVIER DORIA IRIARTE ◽

IÑIGO DORIA ELEJOSTE

Keyword(s):

Power Generation ◽

Wave Energy ◽

Ocean Wave ◽

Wave Power ◽

Wave Mechanics ◽

Propagation Process ◽

Sand Waves ◽

Numerical Result ◽

New Type ◽

Power And Energy

We provide here a theoretical solution to the calculation of wave power generation possibilities, showing that the energy and other parameters of each wave are a function exclusively of its height. The numerical result obtained is compatible with the most used formulations. All authors cited, offer oversimplified formulas for complicated wave power and energy calculations in contrast with our very simple, coherent and innovative formulas, treating each wave individually and assuming the same sinusoidal profile, without wind and ocean currents. The sand waves, or ripple marks, generation is described. This proposed wave generation and propagation process lead us to use turbines directly driven by waves, device capable of extracting energy from both waves and rivers or tides with this new type of turbines. The exposed theory has been supported by tests in the laboratory, at sea, and in breakers Key Words: Ocean wave mechanics. Wave energy. Energy generation

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